For me three relatively young and up and coming UK artists are at the very forefront of the European reggae scene – Stylo G, Christopher Ellis and Randy Valentine. None of these have yet presented a full album, even though Christopher Ellis dropped a vintage sounding EP earlier this year. Now he’s however followed by Randy Valentine, who unleashed his debut EP Break the Chain yesterday.

This contemporary nine track set issued via Swiss label Hemp Higher is pure and bright shining gold. Randy Valentine has a golden voice and a style packed with energy, which gives slower jams like Nah Sell Out, Inna di Ghetto and Dear People a nice boost.

More up-tempo tracks like Break the Chain and the dubstep-flavored Sound the Alarm are certainly intense thanks to his energetic approach. And really enjoyable are Sweet Reggae Music and Lock Me Up. Both of these offer unexpected and fresh tempo changes.